December 9, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers former player Derrick Brooks is introduced during the 10th anniversary of the 2002 Super Bowl champions during halftimduring the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Eagles won 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Who’s your favorite player?…Mr. Derrick Brooks.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced this afternoon that Derrick Brooks will be honored in the team’s Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium. Brooks, who has been elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will be recognized on September 14th against the St. Louis Rams. Derrick Brooks will become the sixth person inducted into the Ring of Honor, joining fellow Hall of Fame teammate Warren Sapp, HOFer Lee Roy Selmon, John McKay, Jimmie Giles, and Paul Gruber. The Bucs will also be retiring Brooks’ #55, joining #63 (Lee Roy Selmon) and #99 (Warren Sapp).
Some of Derrick’s achievements include:
- 11 Pro Bowls
- 9-time All Pro
- 2002 Super Bowl Champion
- 2002 Defensive Player of the Year Award
- 1,715 Tackles / 13.5 Sacks / 25 INT / 24 Forced Fumbles / 7 TDs
- 2000 NFL Man of the Year Award
- Played all 14 seasons in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- 2x All-American at Florida State University
For the press conference covering his induction, click here.
Derrick Brooks was one of my favorite players growing up, and I remember every kid in my youth football league wanting to wear number 55. He was part of the defensive core that led the Bucs from league laughing stock to Super Bowl Champions, along with John Lynch, Warren Sapp, and Ronde Barber. I’ll never forget how loud RayJay would get when big #55 was announced during introductions with cannons firing in the background. It’ll be great to see his name forever etched in Buccaneer history and I can’t thank him enough for the memories.
Some of my favorites:
And this video beginning at the 4:40 mark: